Lifou Island, the most populous of the Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia, is a flat, former coral atoll with abundant vegetation and surrounded by secluded coral reefs which many say offer some of the best snorkeling in the world.

In Chile's arid Norte Grande, only one river in 700 miles of coastline makes it to the sea. Many towns have never experienced rainfall and depend on "Fogcatchers" to collect the morning dew for drinking water.

ABERDEEN -- Scotland's third-largest city (pop. 187,000) is characterized by buildings of beautiful white granite. Set beside the North Sea, Aberdeen is both a university town and the capital of the Scottish oil boom. It is also one of Scotland's largest seaside resorts (though its appeal is confined to those who like their water well-chilled).

Healy is a small community in Interior Alaska, located along the Parks Highway just north of Denali National Park and Preserve. The town stretches through the Nenana River valley, with low hills, spruce forests, wetlands, and broad views toward the Alaska Range.

Surrounded by dramatic Alpine scenery, Saxon has long been known for its orchards and vineyards, benefitting from the region’s sunny microclimate.